Dog Repellant Experience?
I had a close call today when a pair of large German Shepherd-mix dogs showed up when I was about 150′ from my truck. I was on their property so they were understandably protective, but there were no people around to call them off. While not super aggressive, they were barking and circling closer to me, one in front of me and one behind. It occurred to me that if they attacked I’d be toast. Fortunately there was a downed branch about 6 feet long nearby, and I was able to use it to keep them at bay as I slowly made my way back to my truck.
The job I’m working on requires my to visit a couple of hundred wells on private property, so I can expect more of this. I’m thinking that I ought to have some spray repellent with me. Any recommendations?
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Ammonia in a spray bottle. (Not diluted.)
I haven’t tried any dog repellent in years. Some time back I tried several over a period of time and none really ‘repelled’ a dog for any length of time. I remember one that had ammonia and it stated on the bottle to “not get in your face or eyes”….so a crew member had to spray the poor rodman to see if it worked. It did repel rodmen…but the only dog that got sprayed with it just sneezed, slobbered and shook his head…while still maintaining his ground and attitude.
The only one I remember that worked at all was a pepper spray that contained capsaicin. While it was touted on the label for use on dogs and aggressive animals I think it was mainly distributed for human-repellent. I did spray some on a stake and was going to touch it and test it on my person. But the mist immediately wafted to my eyes and face….test over. If I remember that one you would have had to been within about 5 feet to be effective…not a good proximity to a riled-up dog. Never got to field test it on a dog.
My truck generally has a good supply (not too awfully old) of chicken bones wrapped up in paper sacks from the truck-stop fried chicken I’m so fond of. I keep a bucket in the back for trash and there’s always some in there. Tossing chicken bones to protective dogs seems to settle them down quite a bit. I haven’t found a dog yet that doesn’t appreciate a bone now and then…and most of them don’t seem to mind the Louisiana hot sauce either. 😉
The only one I remember that worked at all was a pepper spray that contained capsaicin.
Known in British Columbia as Bear Spray. It will make Grizzly Bears thoughtful. Should work on dogs.
Maybe just carry a 6′ hickory walking stick. Most dogs will stop in their tracks and think twice when they see you raise that into a swinging stance. It’s pretty hard to empty a can of bear spray at close range and not end up shellacking yourself in the process if the wind’s in your face. I always carry beef jerky in my vest for such occasions. Haven’t met a dog yet that would rather sink his teeth in me than a good chunk o’ jerky. Made a lot grumpy dog friends that way.
Willy
Possibly bear spray. It seems pretty strong, and comes in big sizes. It also sprays far.
N
there are IoS apps that are available that send ultrasonic sounds that would prevent dogs from coming close to you. I tried it on my cats and dogs and you notice that their tails go between their legs and they look uncomfortable when I turn it on so I know that it is working.
I found my machete to be a pretty effective tool the one time in 33 years i needed to use it.
I found my machete to be a pretty effective tool the one time in 33 years i needed to use it.
You’re a quicker man than I. I’ve tried to nail unruly dogs with shovels, range poles, hammers, machetes and..yes even pin finders. Never got a lick in except once with a 4′ end of a range pole.
But I cheated…I had him by the mouth with my ankle. 😉
If all of the above fail, there’s always this:
????
First dog that clamped down on the toe of my work boot gently flew about 10 feet before landing on the lawn. Her retreat back to her pups was immediate. I had been sweet talking her to the max but she really didn’t care. She was certain I wanted to injure her pups. I had no such intention, but, she was positive about the threat. I am fairly certain that no amount of her favorite treat would have kept her from trying to drive me away. Inflicting something like pepper spray would have been nasty for both her and her pups when she went back to them. It was an awkward moment. I am sure that to a dachshund I looked like a 100-foot tall beast.
Her attitude did not bother me. What bothered me was the brainless twits inside the house who had not mentioned what might happen as soon as I entered the back yard, which I clearly explained to said twits would be necessary about two minutes before entering HER TURF.
All you’re going to do is pizz them off. Might work one time, but they’ll be ready the next time. Shepard dog or mixed are pretty smart. Better to get them locked up on a return trips. Big dogs are a problem. Like you said, one was in front and the other behind. They know what they are doing.
Wasp spray
Some days you have to make yourself bigger and badder than the dogs that are trying to keep you from your destination, your path or getting back to your vehicle.
Wild animals are territorial and best to cower down, retreat and find another route.
Having a 24in razor sharp machete or ditchbank blade can have advantages over the more aggressive critters that are smaller than you, the faster and larger ones simply need to be avoided as best as possible.
My preference is a long staff as it is very good at keeping critters and dogs that far away.
I had a close call today when a pair of large German Shepherd-mix dogs showed up when I was about 150′ from my truck. I was on their property so they were understandably protective, but there were no people around to call them off. While not super aggressive, they were barking and circling closer to me, one in front of me and one behind. It occurred to me that if they attacked I’d be toast. Fortunately there was a downed branch about 6 feet long nearby, and I was able to use it to keep them at bay as I slowly made my way back to my truck.
The job I’m working on requires my to visit a couple of hundred wells on private property, so I can expect more of this. I’m thinking that I ought to have some spray repellent with me. Any recommendations?
I have used the Dazer with luck. You have to start it before the dog is within bushaxe range obviously, but it will keep them at a distance if used in time.
https://surveyorconnect.com/community/general-chit-chat/dazer-2-dog-protection/
Chicken bones are a slow and painful death for many breeds. I held my best little friend as she died after getting one from the trash.
We have jobs to do, but the dogs that live on private property also have a job and deserve respect. Most problems can be avoided by contacting occupants.
Dogs like me for some reason which is weird because I’m not a dog person. I have very few problems with dogs.
Chicken bones, fish bones and any bone that will splinter are NOT good for dogs. Beef and pork bones that have thick walls are good for chewing. When the marrow is gone I stuff them with peanut butter and they fall in love with them all over again.
Andy
The only breed of dog that has bitten me is the dachshund. Nasty Varmints
Dogs like me too. Never owned one but like kids, they are more fun when they belong to someone else. Something I learned long ago is if you offer something to a dog, especially one that might be trained to guard, is to use your left hand. It is common to train them to not take something from your right hand as that might be bad for them and they will not trust you.
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